Keeping your car on the road is crucial. It allows you to get to work, take care of your family, and maintain a sense of normalcy. But sometimes, car payments can become a burden, especially when faced with unexpected financial hardships.
This comprehensive guide explores various charities, resources, and programs to help you catch up on car payments or find long-term solutions. We’ll break down each option with step-by-step instructions to make navigating the process easier.
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Understanding Your Options Car Payments Help with Charities
There are several avenues to explore when seeking assistance with car payments. Let’s delve into the different categories of help available:
- Charities: Several non-profit organizations offer financial aid to low-income families and individuals struggling with car payments.
- Government Programs: Temporary cash assistance programs and special funds might be available depending on your situation and location.
- Cancer Charities: If you’re battling cancer, specific charities offer financial support that can extend to car payments.
- Military & Veterans Charities: Organizations dedicated to assisting military families often provide help with car payments and other financial needs.
- Other Options: Refinancing your car loan or contacting your lender about hardship programs might offer some relief.
Best Charities That Help With Car Payments
Finding yourself struggling with car payments can be a stressful situation. The good news is various charitable organizations and programs are designed to offer assistance. Here’s a detailed breakdown of some prominent options to get you started, categorized by the type of program:
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General Assistance Programs
- Community Action Agencies (CAA): These local government-funded organizations aim to empower low-income communities. Many CAA programs specifically target car payment assistance, especially in rural areas with limited public transportation.
- Eligibility: Income is the primary criterion, but specific requirements vary by location.
- How to Get Help: Find your local CAA using the National Community Action Partnership website https://communityactionpartnership.com/. Contact them directly to inquire about their car payment assistance programs and eligibility requirements. They might also offer other services like job training or financial literacy workshops.
- Help Me Bounce (Spare Key): This unique program leverages the power of storytelling and community support. Individuals facing financial hardship due to a medical crisis can create a profile explaining their situation and requesting financial assistance from donors.
- Eligibility: Open to US citizens facing financial hardship due to a medical crisis. While car payments are a valid need, donations are not guaranteed to specifically cover them.
- How to Get Help: Visit the Help Me Bounce website https://www.helpmebounce.org/ and fill out the application form. Explain your situation and how car payment assistance would help you during your medical crisis.
- Modest Needs: This non-profit organization focuses on helping people in difficult situations who might not qualify for other assistance. They offer small grants that can be used for various needs, including car payments.
- Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old, a legal resident of the US or Canada, and pass income and employment verification.
- How to Get Help: Register and create an account on the Modest Needs website https://www.modestneeds.org/. Once registered, you can apply for a grant online and explain how car payment assistance would improve your situation.
- General Assistance / Town Welfare: These government-funded programs offer financial aid for food, shelter, and utilities. Depending on your location and specific circumstances, assistance might extend to transportation needs, potentially including car payments.
- Eligibility: Eligibility requirements vary widely by location. Generally, proof of identification, residency, and income are required.
- How to Get Help: Contact your county, city, or township government to inquire about General Assistance or Town Welfare programs. They will explain the application process and determine your eligibility.
Faith-Based Charities
While some faith-based charities explicitly offer car payment assistance, others might have broader financial aid programs that could be relevant in your situation. Here’s a closer look at some prominent options and how to approach them:
- Catholic Charities:
- Car Payment Assistance: Catholic Charities prioritizes basic needs like housing and food. Car payment assistance might be available depending on your location and their current resources. It’s always worth inquiring.
- Eligibility: Catholic Charities does not discriminate based on religion. However, due to limited resources, it might have residency requirements or prioritize certain demographics (families with children).
- How to Get Help: Locate your nearest Catholic Charities office https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/. Contact them directly to inquire about car payment assistance programs in your area. Be prepared to explain your situation and why car payment assistance is crucial.
- Lutheran Services in America (LSA):
- Car Payment Assistance: While LSA doesn’t explicitly mention car payment assistance, their focus on self-sufficiency extends to financial aid programs.
- Eligibility: Information about eligibility requirements is not readily available online.
- How to Get Help: Use the “Our Network” page on the Lutheran Services in America website [invalid URL removed] to find the LSA location nearest you. Contact them directly and explain your situation. Inquire about any financial aid programs they offer that could help alleviate your car payment burden.
- St. Vincent de Paul (SvDP):
- Car Payment Assistance: Financial aid from SvDP typically goes towards rent, utilities, food, and other essentials. However, car payments might be considered in extenuating circumstances, especially if they affect one’s ability to maintain employment or essential needs.
- Eligibility: Must reside within the parish boundaries of a St. Vincent de Paul (SvDP) affiliated Catholic Church.
- How to Get Help: Find the SvDP-affiliated Church closest to you by calling 211 (a United Way information network) or using the “location” tab on the St. Vincent de Paul USA website, https://www.svdpusa.org/. Then, contact the church directly to inquire about their assistance programs and application process.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
- Car Payment Assistance: Fast offering donations is a form of financial aid church members provide to those facing hardships. While not guaranteed, these donations could be used towards car payments, depending on the specific circumstances and bishop’s discretion.
- Eligibility: Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the congregation and your situation. Church membership is generally preferred but not always required.
- How to Get Help: Locate your nearest Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints congregation using the Meetinghouse Locator on their website [invalid URL removed]. Contact the Relief Society President or Bishop of the congregation and explain your situation. Be clear about how car payment assistance would help you.
- Other Churches: Many other houses of worship offer financial assistance programs to their communities. Call 211 to find additional churches that might assist with car payments. Explain your situation and inquire about any relevant programs they have.
Cancer-Focused Charities
Cancer is a physically, emotionally, and financially draining experience. Thankfully, several charities exist to support people battling cancer, including assistance with car payments to ensure transportation doesn’t become a barrier to essential treatment. Let’s explore some prominent options focused on breast cancer:
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- The Pink Fund:
- Car Payment Assistance: This program offers a lifeline to qualified breast cancer patients undergoing active treatment. It provides three months of car payment assistance to help alleviate the financial burden and ensure reliable transportation to appointments and treatment sessions.
- Eligibility: To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be actively undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
- Have experienced a qualifying loss of income due to your cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Have a household income at or below 500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The FPL varies depending on family size and location, so use the HHS Poverty Guidelines Calculator [invalid URL removed] to determine your eligibility.
- How to Get Help: Visit The Pink Fund website https://www.thepinkfund.org/ and complete the prequalification questionnaire. This will help assess your eligibility and guide you through the application process.
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer:
- Financial Assistance Grant: This organization offers a one-time grant of $1,250 to qualified applicants. While not specifically designated for car payments, these funds can be used towards various essential expenses, including car payments, to help manage the financial burden of treatment.
- Eligibility: To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a US resident.
- Be actively undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
- Have a household income not exceeding 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (use the calculator linked above to confirm).
- How to Get Help: Living Beyond Breast Cancer encourages applicants to have their medical provider apply on their behalf. This helps ensure supporting documentation regarding diagnosis and treatment is included. Instructions for healthcare providers are available on the Living Beyond Breast Cancer website https://www.lbbc.org/.
- Jill’s Wish:
- Non-Medical Living Expense Assistance: Jill’s Wish understands the financial challenges that come with a new breast cancer diagnosis. They offer qualified patients recently diagnosed with breast cancer up to $1,500 for non-medical living expenses, including car payments. This can help ease the financial burden during this critical time.
- Eligibility: To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
- Meet income limitations set by the organization (specific income limits are not readily available on their website).
- Reside in a qualifying area (limited to parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, or Ohio).
- How to Get Help: Visit the Jill’s Wish website https://jillswish.org/ and click the “Get a Wish” button. This will guide you through the application process and explain any required documentation.
Additional Resources:
- Hope Chest for Breast Cancer (Minnesota): This program offers financial aid for various expenses, including car payments, to Minnesota residents actively undergoing breast cancer treatment.
- Eligibility: Must be a Minnesota resident actively undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
- How to Get Help: Download the application from the Hope Chest website [invalid URL removed]. A social worker or healthcare provider must confirm your diagnosis and treatment to verify eligibility.
- Shades of Pink Foundation (Michigan): Breast cancer patients in Southeast Michigan can receive financial assistance for essential expenses like car payments.
- Eligibility: Breast cancer patients living in Genesee, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, or Wayne Counties in Michigan.
- How to Get Help: A healthcare provider, social worker, or therapist needs to contact the Shades of Pink Foundation on your behalf https://www.shadesofpinkfoundation.org/.
Military & Veterans Charities
Military service comes with immense sacrifice, extending beyond active duty. Veterans and their families can face financial hardships upon returning home. Thankfully, several charities are dedicated to supporting veterans facing financial difficulties, including car payments. Here’s a breakdown of prominent options:
- Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes:
- Support for Disabled Veterans: This organization focuses on assisting disabled veterans who served after September 11th, 2001. Their financial assistance program can cover various needs, including car payments, to help veterans maintain their independence and well-being.
- Eligibility: To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a veteran with a documented service-connected disability.
- Have served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001.
- How to Get Help: Visit the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes website [invalid URL salute america’s heroes ON Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes coalitiontosalute.org] and complete the online application form. Ensure you have the necessary documentation to verify your military service and disability status.
- Helping Hands for Freedom:
- Life Needs and Financial Assistance Program: Understanding the unique challenges faced by military families, Helping Hands for Freedom offers a comprehensive support program. Financial aid can cover essential expenses like rent, utilities, and car payments, providing much-needed relief during difficult times.
- Eligibility: To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a military family with at least one child under 18 living at home.
- The veteran must have an honorable discharge from service.
- How to Get Help: Download the application form from the Helping Hands for Freedom website https://www.helpinghandsforfreedom.org/. Carefully review the required documents (DD214, photo ID, tax return, bank statements, proof of debts) and submit them along with your complete application.
- Military Aid Societies:
- Branch-Specific Support: Each branch of the US military has its own established aid society dedicated to supporting active duty service members, veterans, and their families. These societies might offer financial assistance programs specifically designed to help with car payments.
- How to Get Help: Here’s how to find the specific aid society for your military branch:
- Air Force Aid Society: Supports Airmen and their families. https://afas.org/
- Army Emergency Relief: Serves soldiers, Airmen, Guardians, and their families. https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/
- Coast Guard Mutual Assistance: Provides financial aid to active duty, retired Coast Guard members, their dependents, and survivors. https://www.cgtle.org/about
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society: Supports Navy and Marine Corps families. https://www.nmcrs.org/
- Contact Information: Once you identify the relevant aid society for your branch, contact them directly. They will explain their specific car payment assistance programs (if offered) and guide you through the eligibility requirements and application process.
Government Help with Car Payments: Exploring Potential Options
While the government doesn’t have a direct car payment assistance program, there are avenues to explore for potential financial support that could be used towards your car payment. Here’s a breakdown of some possibilities:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): TANF is a federally funded program administered by each state. It provides temporary cash assistance to low-income families with children.
- Eligibility: Eligibility requirements vary by state, but generally, you must meet income thresholds and have at least one dependent child under 18 living in your home.
- Car Payment Assistance: While not specifically designated for car payments, the TANF cash benefit can be used for various essential expenses, including car payments, if deemed crucial for maintaining employment or essential needs.
- How to Get Help: Contact your local Department of Social Services or TANF office. They can explain the application process and eligibility requirements specific to your state.
- Child Protective Services (CPS): CPS is a government agency responsible for protecting children from abuse and neglect. In some cases, if a family is involved with CPS and facing a temporary hardship that threatens their well-being (such as losing transportation due to unpaid car payments), CPS might offer emergency financial assistance.
- Eligibility: You must have at least one child under 18 in your home and have an established case with CPS.
- Car Payment Assistance: Financial aid from CPS is typically for basic needs like food and shelter. However, car payments might be considered in extenuating circumstances, especially if it affects your ability to maintain employment or meet your children’s essential needs.
- How to Get Help: Contact your CPS caseworker to discuss your situation and inquire about any available financial assistance programs.
- Special Government Funds: Many counties or municipalities set aside special funds to assist low-income residents facing hardships. The allocation and purpose of these funds can vary, but some might be designated for transportation assistance, which could potentially cover car payments in extenuating circumstances.
- Eligibility: Eligibility typically hinges on residency and income level, but specific criteria will vary depending on the program and location.
- Car Payment Assistance: While not guaranteed, these funds could be a resource.
- How to Get Help: Search your county government website or call 211 (a United Way information hotline) to inquire about any special funds available in your area that might offer car payment assistance.
Important Considerations:
- Government assistance programs often have specific eligibility requirements and limited funding.
- Be prepared to document your income, expenses, and the reason for needing car payment assistance.
- The application process might take time, so explore all options and apply as soon as possible.
Additional Resources for Help with Car Payments
- Refinancing Your Car Loan: If you can still afford monthly payments but your current interest rate is high, refinancing your car loan with a lower rate can free up some cash each month. Research and compare interest rates offered by different lenders. Aim for a reputable lender with a competitive interest rate. Ensure you understand the new loan’s terms and conditions before signing.
- Talking to Your Lender About Hardship Programs: Many lenders have hardship programs to help borrowers with temporary financial difficulties. Contact your lender’s customer service department and explain your situation. Inquire about hardship programs that might offer loan modifications or deferments. Be prepared to provide documentation supporting your financial hardship.
Others Tips for Help Car Payments
- Create a Budget: Analyze your income and expenses to identify areas for savings and free up cash for car payments.
- Reduce Transportation Costs: Explore carpooling, public transportation, or biking if feasible, depending on your location and work situation.
- Sell Unnecessary Items: Consider selling unused belongings to generate extra income to make car payments.
- Seek Free or Low-Cost Legal Aid: If you’re struggling with debt collectors or considering loan defaults, seek free or low-cost legal aid from organizations specializing in consumer protection.
FAQs
What if I miss a car payment?
Missing a car payment can incur late fees and damage your credit score. The sooner you contact your lender and explain the situation, the more likely they are to work with you.
Can I negotiate with my lender?
Absolutely! Many lenders offer hardship programs that can help you get back on track. This might involve extending your loan term, reducing your monthly payment, or temporarily deferring payments.
What if my car is repossessed?
If your car is repossessed, you have the right to get it back by paying the outstanding loan balance, repossession fees, and storage charges. However, acting quickly is crucial.
What if I file for bankruptcy?
Filing for bankruptcy can stop a car repossession, but it will also significantly impact your credit score for several years. Consider this as a last resort and consult with a bankruptcy attorney before proceeding.
Where can I find free or low-cost legal help?
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling offers free resources and can connect you with a credit counselor in your area. You can also call 211 to find local legal aid organizations.
Are there other ways to save money on car expenses?
Definitely! Consider lowering your car insurance coverage if you can qualify for discounts. You can also shop around for better car insurance rates. Additionally, performing basic car maintenance yourself can save on mechanic costs.
